Anxiety ranks among the most prevalent behavioral issues in dogs. While fear is a natural, essential response that aids survival in dangerous situations, excessive fear disrupts a dog's daily life, becoming a serious behavioral problem. It undermines the dog's well-being and strains the bond with its owner.
Social anxiety in dogs often manifests as fear of strangers or other dogs. Researchers at the University of Helsinki analyzed risk factors using data from nearly 6,000 dogs, drawn from a broader behavioral survey of about 14,000 dogs.
The study pinpointed inadequate early socialization to diverse situations and stimuli as the strongest predictor of social anxiety. Living environment also plays a key role: dogs in urban areas showed higher anxiety levels than those in rural settings.
“This is the first study to explore this in dogs. We know urban living correlates with more psychological issues in humans, but more research is needed on dogs,” explains Jenni Puurunen, PhD, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Aligning with prior findings, social anxiety was more common in neutered females and small breeds.
Beyond breed and sex, activity levels mattered. Anxious dogs were less active, and their owners engaged them less in training or activities. Professor Hannes Lohi, leading the research at the University of Helsinki, questions causality: “Activity benefits behavior in both dogs and humans. Anxious dogs might get less exercise because owners avoid stressful situations.”
The study also revealed stark breed differences. Spanish Water Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs displayed the highest social anxiety, while Wheaten Terriers proved among the boldest. Cairn Terriers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis showed minimal fear of other dogs.
“These breed variations underscore genetics' role in anxiety and mental health. It drives our pursuit of hereditary research. Key takeaways for improving dogs' lives: thorough puppy socialization, active routines, and informed breeding,” Professor Lohi concludes.
